You Are Not So Smart: Why You Have Too Many Friends on Facebook, Why Your Memory Is Mostly Fiction, and 46 Other Ways You're Deluding Yourself

An entertaining illumination of the stupid beliefs that make us feel wise. You believe you are a rational, logical being who sees the world as it really is, but journalist David McRaney is here to tell you that you're as deluded as the rest of us. But that's OK - delusions keep us sane. You Are Not So Smart is a celebration of self-delusion. It's like a psychology class, with all the boring parts taken out, and with no homework. Based on the popular blog of the same name, You Are Not So Smart collects more than 46 of the lies we tell ourselves everyday.

Leadership & Self-Deception: Getting Out of the Box

Most personal and organizational problems are the result of a little-known phenomenon called "self-deception". We deceive ourselves into thinking we're doing the right thing for the right reason, but people won't follow a leader whose motives are selfish. The tricky thing is, we don't know that our motivation is flawed. This audiobook explains what self-deception is, how people get trapped in it, how it undermines relationships and organizational achievement, and - most importantly - the surprising way to solve it.

The Dorito Effect: The Surprising New Truth About Food and Flavor

In The Dorito Effect, Mark Schatzker shows us how our approach to the nation's number-one public health crisis has gotten it wrong. The epidemics of obesity, heart disease, and diabetes are not tied to the overabundance of fat or carbs. Instead we have been led astray by the growing divide between flavor - the tastes we crave - and the underlying nutrition.

The Personal MBA: Master the Art of Business

Josh Kaufman founded PersonalMBA.com as an alternative to the business school boondoggle. His blog has introduced hundreds of thousands of readers to the best business books and most powerful business concepts of all time. Now, he shares the essentials of entrepreneurship, marketing, sales, negotiation, operations, productivity, systems design, and much more, in one comprehensive volume. The Personal MBA distills the most valuable business lessons into simple, memorable mental models that can be applied to real-world challenges.

Wheat Belly: Lose the Wheat, Lose the Weight, and Find Your Path Back to Health

Since the introduction of dietary guidelines calling for reduced fat intake in the 1970s, a strange phenomenon has occurred: Americans have steadily, inexorably become heavier, less healthy, and more prone to diabetes than ever before. After putting more than two thousand of his at-risk patients on a wheat-free regimen and seeing extraordinary results, cardiologist William Davis has come to the disturbing conclusion that it is not fat, not sugar, not our sedentary lifestyle that is causing America’s obesity epidemic—it is wheat.

How to Talk to Anyone: 92 Little Tricks for Big Success in Relationships

What is that magic quality that makes some people instantly loved and respected? Everyone wants to be their friend (or, if single, their lover!) In business, they rise swiftly to the top of the corporate ladder. What is their "Midas touch?"

A Patriot's History of the United States

Since the liberal revolution of the '60s and '70s, American history books have been biased toward the negative. They overemphasize America's racism, sexism, and bigotry while downplaying the greatness of her patriots. As a result, more emphasis is placed on Harriet Tubman than on George Washington, more on the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II than on D-day or Iwo Jima. This book offers a long-overdue acknowledgment of America's true and proud history.

Our Magnificent Bastard Tongue: The Untold History of English

A survey of the quirks and quandaries of the English language, focusing on our strange and wonderful grammar. Why do we say "I am reading a catalog" instead of "I read a catalog"? Why do we say "do" at all? Is the way we speak a reflection of our cultural values? Delving into these provocative topics and more, Our Magnificent Bastard Tongue distills hundreds of years of fascinating lore into one lively history.

My Favorite Universe

What forces molded the universe? Are those forces still at work, removing, changing, or adding heavenly bodies even as we gaze upward? Will humanity, and Earth itself, one day be gone? Are we alone? In an era when science journalism is perhaps more thorough and ambitious than ever before, fascinating explorations of questions like these seem available to us almost every day - provided we have a working understanding of the scientific theories on which they're based.

The Science of Energy: Resources and Power Explained

To better put into perspective the various issues surrounding energy in the 21st century, you need to understand the essential science behind how energy works. And you need a reliable source whose focus is on giving you the facts you need to form your own educated opinions.

The Complete Stories of Sherlock Holmes, Volume 1

First appearing in print in 1890, the character of Sherlock Holmes has now become synonymous worldwide with the concept of a super sleuth. His creator, Conan Doyle, imbued his detective hero with intellectual power, acute observational abilities, a penchant for deductive reasoning and a highly educated use of forensic skills. Indeed, Doyle created the first fictional private detective who used what we now recognize as modern scientific investigative techniques.

A History of India

Over 5,000 years, India has been home to a rich tapestry of peoples and cultures. Two of the world's great religions - Hinduism and Buddhism - have their origins in South Asia, and the lands east of the Indus River have long been a central hub for trade, migration, and cultural exchange. Today the subcontinent contains 20 percent of the world's population and is a thriving center for global business, making this region one of most significant economic powerhouses in the world.

The Miracle Morning: The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life - Before 8AM

What if you could miraculously wake up tomorrow and any - or every area of your life was transformed? What would be different? Would you be happier? Healthier? More successful? In better shape? Would you have more energy? Less Stress? More Money? Better relationships? Which of your problems would be solved? What if I told you that there is a "not-so-obvious" secret that is guaranteed to transform any - or literally every area of your life, faster than you ever thought possible?

Quiet Power: The Secret Strengths of Introverts

At least one-third of the people we know are introverts. They are the ones who prefer listening to speaking, reading to partying; who innovate and create but dislike self-promotion; who favor working on their own over brainstorming in teams. Although they are often labeled "quiet", it is to introverts that we owe many of the great contributions to society - from van Gogh's sunflowers to the invention of the personal computer.

10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found a Self-Help That Actually Works

After having a nationally televised panic attack on Good Morning America, Dan Harris knew he had to make some changes. A lifelong nonbeliever, he found himself on a bizarre adventure, involving a disgraced pastor, a mysterious self-help guru, and a gaggle of brain scientists.

The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich: A History of Nazi Germany

Since its publication in 1960, William L. Shirer’s monumental study of Hitler’s German empire has been widely acclaimed as the definitive record of the 20th century’s blackest hours. The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich offers an unparalleled and thrillingly told examination of how Adolf Hitler nearly succeeded in conquering the world. With millions of copies in print around the globe, it has attained the status of a vital and enduring classic.

War and Peace

Often called the greatest novel ever written, War and Peace is at once an epic of the Napoleonic wars, a philosophical study, and a celebration of the Russian spirit. Tolstoy's genius is clearly seen in the multitude of characters in this massive chronicle, all of them fully realized and equally memorable.

A Day's Read

Join three literary scholars and award-winning professors as they introduce you to dozens of short masterpieces that you can finish - and engage with - in a day or less. Perfect for people with busy lives who still want to discover-or rediscover-just how transformative an act of reading can be, these 36 lectures range from short stories of fewer than 10 pages to novellas and novels of around 200 pages. Despite their short length, these works are powerful examinations of the same subjects and themes that longer "great books" discuss.

Capital in the Twenty-First Century

What are the grand dynamics that drive the accumulation and distribution of capital? Questions about the long-term evolution of inequality, the concentration of wealth, and the prospects for economic growth lie at the heart of political economy. But satisfactory answers have been hard to find for lack of adequate data and clear guiding theories.

One of the most popular Fortune articles in many years was a cover story called "What It Takes to Be Great." Geoff Colvin offered new evidence that top performers in any field - from Tiger Woods and Winston Churchill to Warren Buffett and Jack Welch - are not determined by their inborn talents. Greatness doesn't come from DNA but from practice and perseverance honed over decades.

Cool: How the Brain's Hidden Quest for Cool Drives Our Economy and Shapes Our World

In Cool, the neuroscientist and philosopher Steven Quartz and the political scientist Anette Asp bring together the latest findings in brain science, economics, and evolutionary biology to form a provocative theory of consumerism, revealing how the brain's "social calculator" and an instinct to rebel are the crucial missing links in understanding the motivations behind our spending habits.

The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For?

Translated into over 50 languages, The Purpose Driven Life is far more than just a book; it is a guide to a spiritual journey that has transformed millions of lives. Once you take this journey, you’ll never be the same again.

Publisher's Summary

One of the country's most sought-after professional organizers here makes his foolproof rescue plan available for everyone.

Arguably the most organized man in America, Andrew J. Mellen has created unique, lasting techniques for streamlined living, bringing order out of chaos for a client list that includes attorneys, filmmakers, and even psychologists. With Unstuff Your Life! he puts his powerful program in the hands of his widest audience yet. Acknowledging that it's often the "stuff behind the stuff" that holds people back, Mellen offers an action-based plan to redirect clutterers from dwelling on their feelings. This simple shift yields immediate results that will help everyone achieve organizational bliss. Mellen's mix of humor, honesty, tough love, and foolproof strategies will motivates listeners to work through their feelings and make real behavior changes that will have long-lasting effects.

Written in Mellen's signature no-nonsense yet hilarious tone, Unstuff Your Life! brims with personality, along with approaches not found in other organizing books. Built on the principle that we must distinguish ourselves from our possessions, Unstuff Your Life! starts with truly achievable goals and works toward the nightmare projects everyone tries hard to avoid. From the basement to the bedroom, the kitchen to the car, and more, listeners will learn:

Where to find a permanent home for your keys and wallet

How to sort the mail in a manageable and time-effective way

What it means to group "like with like"

How to tackle bills and budget

How to problem-solve with your new skills, and more

The result is absolute freedom from the burden of clutter - and more free time than you ever imagined possible.

Please note: Lists and worksheets mentioned in the audio can be downloaded from http://andrewmellen.com/uyl-downloads/.

What the Critics Say

"Living in chaos? Professional Organizer Mellen has written the book to help.... [T]hose willing to take even a small sip of Mellon's Kool-Aid may enjoy a more organized, efficient, and well-managed life." (Publishers Weekly)

Your purse needs a home. Don't let it follow you around the house from room to room like a lost puppy! - this line made me laugh so hard it was like flipping a switch in my brain. I was always looking for important stuff like keys and wallet and late for work because of it. The humorous imagery Mellen uses to point out the absurdism of living in chaos has helped me understand how my beliefs about stuff were keeping me drowning in it, and then he told me exactly how to deal with all my stuff.

Really enjoyed this book. As I go about simplifying my life, I find myself repeating key phrases such as "like with like" and "the thing is not the person". I even lecture myself on returning things to their designated homes when I get careless.

In a fulsome act of disorganization, I soon discovered that I had already read this book about a year ago, but continued with the audible version anyway, and quickly found that I had overlooked much valuable material during my first go-round. As I am already a fairly well-organized person, I had scanned or skipped whole pages during my first reading, figuring that certain sections did not apply to me. Arrogant fool. During the audible version, I discovered that every chapter contains valuable information.

I lost my husband to cancer 3 years ago and letting go of his belongings has been a difficult process. When I was ready, I donated most of his clothing; then I threw out university papers and essays, etc., the accoutrements of a life that were once significant but not particularly personally valuable. For the smaller yet somehow bigger things, author Mellen's advice helps me as I continue to struggle with memories such as theatre ticket stubs, stacks of photographs, his bedroom slippers, his e-mail address. I'm filing and organizing the treasures, discarding the duplicates or the unlovely photos in which my butt does indeed look big, and handing off special items to his family, who I know will value them. In a truly heartbreaking moment, I was forced to throw out the cards, love notes, and other special paper mementoes that I had temporarily stored in a plastic box. In the basement. Too late came Mellen's warning never to store paper-based valuables in the basement. These precious treasures were coated in black mould when I opened the box, and they could not be salvaged. I can only console myself with Mellen's observation that the thing is not the person.

Mellen's delivery is perfectly suited to the material, and he manages to inject humour into the narrative with a pause here and a little emphasis there. Well done.

Ready to get organized in the shortest possible time with a minimum of fuss? This is the book for you. This is no-nonsense advice from an expert who has worked out practical systems that really work. Andrew J. Mellen's two battle-cries, "A home for everything" and "Like with like," echo throughout the book and every organizing challenge. Anecdotes and stories about real people solving clutter problems help round out the more technical details.

Who was your favorite character and why?

A feature that sets this book apart is that it addresses electronic clutter -- e-mail, phone messages, computer files, etc..

What does Andrew J. Mellen bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Mellen's theater background comes through in his narration, and sets it apart from other author-narrated How-Tos. He brings genuine enthusiasm and an expert tone to his subject.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Mellen encourages his listeners to pace themselves through the many stages of organizing their lives. And, he gives helpful support and advice for parting with sentimental items -- a process that often takes time.

Any additional comments?

If you're serious about getting control of your clutter and simplifying your life, this book can really help.

Where does Unstuff Your Life rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This was one of the best audio books I've listened to.

What did you like best about this story?

Andrew J Mellen causes you to analyze what your problem organizational areas are and gives strategies to prevent you from falling back into old habits. Each chapter takes you into a living space in your home and helps you organize (after getting rid of the stuff) in a way that makes it easy to keep it that way.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Mellen's advice is to read a chapter, and tackle that space before going on to the next chapter. It's exactly what I did and it works.

Any additional comments?

If you've read a lot of books on organization, I think you'll find this one to be one of the most valuable in your library.

This is easily the most likely to be put into practice. I have already pitched 4 huge garbage cans full of stuff. Terrific progress particularly since the stuff has been sitting on shelves in my office for over 10 years.

Gradually, I came to the realization that I was being controlled by a bunch of old books and magazines. I have not used it in years and in many cases have never opened them. I hung onto them even when I had to rent an extra office to store it all.

I now save $200 per month all from listening to this simple book.

Andrew Mellen gave me permission to unload my stuff, to be free from caring for it and from paying for it over and over through excess "carrying costs".

Yes, because Andrew describes new ways to make the things you own useful and available. Following his advice makes your home and office more enjoyable, functional places to be without having to spend any money.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The author is the only character and he is quite good. A surprising aspect of the book is the impact it has had on my thoughts about acquiring new things.

What did you learn from Unstuff Your Life that you would use in your daily life?

Everything has a home, one home and following this principal means you never spend time looking for anything.

If you could sum up Unstuff Your Life in three words, what would they be?

Simplify, expel,move on

What was one of the most memorable moments of Unstuff Your Life?

Don't berate yourself

What does Andrew J. Mellen bring to the story that you wouldn???t experience if you just read the book?

This guy is tough, in a nice kind of way. If you have a friend who is OCD they really need to listen to this as they may hate him and then learn to love him. He has a tough narration style, point blank, do it and move on - kind of like a nice army sergeant - yeah right! Anyway, if you really need to get your stuff sorted you will appreciate the tough narration.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

This is not your typical organization book. And believe me, I've read them all. Even paid an 'organizer' to help me figure out a system for paperwork.ho hum.

I listened through this book to the end, then again as I followed instructions. This in and of itself speaks to the success and uniqueness of the author's approach, cause I can snub my nose at the best instructions out there. (oh there's a "to spite my face" in this sentiment, believe me)

This author is firm in his convictions that everyone can unstuff: anywhere, without too much pain, and in realistic spaces of time. His methods make sense, in that obvious way that relatively intelligent people like me respond to with, "I KNOOOW!!!". (um, so why am I still reading books like this, right?)

Wish I could accurately share why this book worked for me. I'll try...-His explanations about WHY I hold on to things are brief, gentle yet busted through my typical resistance. -He says anyone can learn a new behavior if practiced consistently for 30 days. ("I KNOOOW!!!") But somehow this author makes me believe I can do it. Without a litany of pep talks and flowery sentiment. -"Like w/ Like" and "Everything has a home" is the mantra. That's DO-able and downright sensible! -He 'walks you through' assignments (eg, unstuffing and organizing your kitchen) on the audio.-His filing system alone is worth the price of the book. Soooo much more practical and easier than the system I paid for (and stopped using after a week)

I would, and I have. I quote it alot (Like with Like and Everything in it's Place). Even if it is only in my head. I have cut the size of my email inbox by 2/3 already and am still on a roll. After a wildfire destroyed most of my neighborhood this summer, I became aware (almost to the point of obsession) that I need to be more organized, especially in my office, and have a "to go" box of papers ready for whatever is next. When you have 30 minutes or less to figure out what to take, having the box packed already would be a small comfort.

What did you like best about this story?

It seems do-able for the average messy, unorganized person. It made my think about my kitchen storage spaces in a different light, too.

Which character – as performed by Andrew J. Mellen – was your favorite?

Andrew Mellen

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Defnitely not. One chapter a day (there was homework) was about all I could handle. Sometimes I listened to one chapter several times, as a refresher/reminder to keep me on track. I did go to the website and download all the lists at once, however.

slow, dull and patronising. Could have been done in ten minutes. don't waste your time...

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Rita

HORSHAM, United Kingdom

3/9/14

Overall

Performance

Story

"Inspirational and comprehensive"

What did you like most about Unstuff Your Life?

Well read by the author, his enthusiasm for the cause of de cluttering is infectious. He systematically goes through the whole house/office with instructions. Surprisingly does not feel too holier than thou or preachy, and I have certainly implemented the mail suggestions. The rest will have to wait but unstuffing my life does seem possible even if the task is still daunting.

What was most disappointing about Andrew J. Mellen’s story?

He is American and some suggestions do not travel

What about Andrew J. Mellen’s performance did you like?

His enthusiasm.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No needed to replay some parts and it was not encouraged!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Kathryn

Durham, United Kingdom

7/8/13

Overall

Performance

Story

"Great if you need to de clutter your home."

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would feel happy to recommend this to someone who was struggling to tidy and organise their living space.

Would you ever listen to anything by Andrew J. Mellen again?

Possibly, because I enjoyed the way he presented what could have been a dreary topic, but he inspired and entertained me.

What does Andrew J. Mellen bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

This is not a story, but he has a jaunty delivery of his own material which is somehow soothing and reassuring. He makes the listener feel that what he is suggesting might actually be possible, and if you listen to sections a few times over, as I did, you begin to internalise some of his phrases so that you can apply them to your lifestyle.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Some parts made me smile. "Your grandfather's hat is not your grandfather."

Any additional comments?

Once you get the general drift you may not need to listen to the whole book. However, Mellen takes you methodically through the whole house so by the end you should have everything neat and tidy! If you have a partner I suggest you get them to listen to it too, otherwise you will be fighting a losing battle against their untidy habits.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Tasneem

HARROW, United Kingdom

7/8/13

Overall

Performance

Story

"Loved listening"

What made the experience of listening to Unstuff Your Life the most enjoyable?

Well read at an easy pace. A good book quite unlike others I've read. A good break up and easy to follow guide.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Kay

Notts, United Kingdom

7/9/12

Overall

"Very helpful"

This has not changed my life-I am yet to practice what Andrew has preached, what it has done is given me a starting point and whilst progress is slow to date I can honestly say it is making a difference. If only I was able to commit fully that difference would be huge-Andrew is both practical and informative. You have nothing to lose but your stuff...

3 of 4 people found this review helpful

Ken

Leraatsfontein, South Africa

7/17/12

Overall

"Not what I was expecting"

If you like to have endless lists read out to you then buy, else I don’t recommend

3 of 5 people found this review helpful

Che-Hsiung Liu

UK

10/1/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"Life style changing"

Almost cover all sort of stuff you want to organise,however, if could have a revised version for children toys, gadgets, apps, DVD, CD,music etc will be even more useful.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

PPod

PENRYN, United Kingdom

4/16/14

Overall

Performance

Story

"Unlistenable"

I'm sure the author has a lot of good things to say, but he speaks so quickly that listening was exhausting.

2 of 4 people found this review helpful

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